Celebrating National Poetry Month in Westfield, NJ, in April

Gallery U in Westfield, NJ, is pleased to celebrate the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month by highlighting the power of words and the connection to visual arts. Ekphrasis: Art & Words consist of an exhibition of art and poetry— side-by-side — that includes local artists and poets inspiring one another. Existing poetry was collected by invited poets and artwork was curated from artists throughout New Jersey. Artists and poets were given the opportunity to choose one of the selected poems or pieces of art that spoke to them and to create a new piece of art—be it a visual art or poem—based on the original inspiration. The challenge will be in determining which came first, the poem or the art.

A preview of Gallery U’s Ekphrasis: Art & Words exhibit will be part of the Montclair Art Museum’s Free First Thursday Night on April 7, 2016, from 5-7 PM with a poetry reading at 6 PM. An opening reception, where you can experience the complete Ekphrasis exhibit, will be held at Gallery U the following evening, Friday, April 8, 2016, from 6-8 PM with a poetry reading scheduled at 6:45 PM. All are welcome. Artwork and poetry will be on display through May 2, 2016.

In addition, a poetry reading for Ekphrasis will take place at 2 PM on Sunday, April 17, 2016. during the Westfield Art Association's Interactive Celebration of National poetry Month. The event takes place from 1-3 P and will include activities that connect participants to poetry and a visit from the Creativity Caravan, which will be bringing the Small Book Show to Westfield and the surrounding communities. Ekphrasis: Art & Words was curated by Robert P. Langdon. Gallery U is located at 439 South Avenue West in Westfield, NJ.

Events surrounding "Ekphrasis: Art & Words"

April 7, 2016, 5-7 PM:Select preview of “Ekphrasis: Art & Words” at Montclair Art Museum as part of their Free First Thursday series

April 17, 2016, 2 PM:Ekphrasis poetry reading as part of the Westfield Art Association's celebration of National Poetry Month from 1-3 PM. Activities connecting participants to poetry are planned for the event along with a visit from Creativity Caravan, which hosts the Small Book Project.